The weather today in my neck of the woods:

A bit chilly this morning with the smell of smoke in the air. They’re clearing yet more land around here which is disturbing.

A simple pleasure:

Running into my mom while shopping and having a great conversation with her.

I am thankful:

That the Fall Semester is winding down and that my counseling obligations are heading into ‘holiday’ mode.

From the kitchen:

Okay, so Mr. John keeps reminding me that my before Halloween promise of his favorite “Sour Cream Pound Cake” has now been placed in a queue behind the Pineapple Upside Down Cake he requested shortly after Thanksgiving. The ingredients were placed by the stove with best intentions but I got tired of looking at them and put them in the cupboard. Sigh. Will I never get this cooking thing?

I was in a thrift shop yesterday and found some cute kitchen curtains. While standing in line to pay for them, the woman in front of me commented on how pretty they were. I replied that just looking at them made me happy and if I had to spend time in the kitchen I certainly wanted to have a reason to be happy in there. (smile)

From the learning rooms:

Okay, so Math is not one of my strong points and the nut (hee…hee..) does not fall too far from the tree.

Miss Sam and I are done with Math. At least until the need for it raises its ugly head once again – like trying to get into college – which being non-college bound is a thought that is beginning to creep into my once ‘college is the only alternative’ mindset.

But I digress…I do that when I begin to talk about math, Freud would say it was a defense mechanism, hmmmmm….like denial perhaps. Now, you are talking MY language.

So, Miss Sam is back in Florida Virtual School with plans for dual enrollment put on the furthest back burner we could realistically find, which where math is concerned that would preferably be back into the next galaxy.

Doing happy dance about no math.

Currently Reading:

A Clash of the Kings. Great series. Can’t wait for more time to spend reading it!!

On My Mind:

Starting the revision process on the first draft of my first (!!!) novel. I think its more exciting than writing the novel was.

“First draft is really just about telling a story; the second draft is about writing a novel.”

Creative Projects:

See above.

Sorting through the two briefcases my mom gave me (my Dad’s and my Uncle’s) to continue my work on the family history.

Revamping my ‘lesson’ plans for Spring semester. Yes, I consider this a creative project – thankfully we are permitted to be creative  with our lectures at our college and for that I am unbelievably grateful.

Hearth and Home:

With the move of Miss Sam’s computer from the main living area to her bedroom ( OMG – did Mr. John and I really say THAT was okay???) – the house appears to be less disorganized and yucky. (Sorry Miss Sam, but its true).

Our only concern is that we may never see Miss Sam again.

I smile:

Because Miss Sam has been, not only a great inspiration, but also the best supporter of my efforts at not only attempting my first novel but completing it. Thank you baby girl!!!!!

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

“The Bible is constantly relevant, never anchored to the lifestyle of a particular era.” Charles Swindoll

Picture Thought I am sharing:

Miss Sam captured this on our way home from telling her math tutor ” a dieu”. Just saying that it looks mighty possible that God was putting His stamp on a certain decision.

What say you????

Last day of Fall semester classes today. Gotta run.

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

It is absolutely beautiful out this morning. A cool 60 degrees! A great day to work out in the back gardens and continue getting them ready for winter since it’s too windy today to go fishing.

A simple pleasure:

Enjoying the Stone Crab Jam with a glass of mulled wine in one hand a a crab cake in the other. The wine is made by a former colleague of mine at the college who left academia behind to start the Copp Winery five years ago and its had great success. I can attest to that. I enjoyed my mulled wine so much that I bought a bag of the spices to take home. The holidays may be a blur but a delightfully tasteful blur.

I am thankful:

That my house is an absolute mess. It’s a grand indicator that my priorities are straight.

From the kitchen:

Ummm. This would also fall into the category of  ”a grand indicator that my priorities are straight”. Nothing, zip, nada is going on in the kitchen. Except maybe the special requests by Miss Sam for my secret recipe scrambled eggs. That would be putting them in the skillet and scrambling them by the way.

From the learning rooms:

Hopefully we have FINALLY found a solution to Sam’s mathematical difficulties. My mom plays bridge with a former Algebra teacher and he has offered to tutor Miss Sam. All in God’s timing I say.

Just finished reading:

Nothing.

I know this doesn’t sound like me.

Is something going on you may ask?

Yes, yes, and yes. I am currently working my way through the writing of my first novel.

Currently Reading:

Again, nothing. Unless you count all the Florida history books I am consuming in order to have Grace Notes (working title of my novel) be as realistic as possible.

On My Mind:

My dirty house and my empty refrigerator. Ah well. December will come along before you know it. And hopefully those things will still not have been attended to as I hope to be revising the first draft of my first novel Yahoo!!!

Creative Projects:

Finishing up on my second writing course.

Did I mention WRITING MY FIRST NOVEL….hee….hee.

Hearth and Home:

Loving the smell of Airwick’s Glistening Cinnamon Rolls scented oils since no one is actually baking in the kitchen these days or cleaning the house. Did I mention that??

I smile:

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

Well, I digress. I am reading something, but I never count my quiet time readings as “reading”. Having finished Charles Swindoll’s wonderful Great Lives from God’s Word series I am now reading his book Improving Your Serve. Although there are many inspirational treasures in this book I will share just one for today:

“There are eight character traits that identify true servanthood. When all eight are mixed together in a life, balance emerges….These traits open the door to inner happiness….attached to each character trait is a corresponding promise.” Charles Swindoll

The character traits that C. Swindoll is referring to are the traits that are in the Beatitudes.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.

Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:1-12)

The Beatitudes – For A Balanced Life (Paraphrased from C. Swindoll’s Book)

We need to have a deep abiding dependency on the Lord

We are to care intensely for the hurts and sorrows and losses of others

We are to be calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity

We are to have an insatiable appetite for God for what is right; a passionate drive for justice and we find that in having a close relationship with God

We are to have concern for people in need and give much encouragement – care; we are to get involved and minister to the miserable

We are to do the right things for the right reasons

We are to actively pursue peace; build people up; watch your tongue; heal don’t hurt; be slow to anger; be humble and trusting.

Amen.

Picture Thoughts I am sharing:

Mr. J and I went to the Crystal River Stone Crab Jam late yesterday afternoon. We didn’t stay too very long, but had a wonderful time. What are Stone Crabs you may ask??? Although we couldn’t afford the $20 for 1/4 of  a pound, I did ask a couple if I could take a picture of their plate (I am so used to people looking at me like I’m crazed that requests like this are just second nature to me now) and voila….here is what Stone Crabs look like:

and guess who was there….my heart throb…Johnny Depp…okay so not IRL but I did learn that his parents live only five minutes from us!!!!! Small world, eh?

and here is where the Stone Crab Jam was held…on our beautiful Crystal River:

and here is the perfect ending to a perfect Stone Crab Jam….that beautiful Florida Sunset:

Okay, got a busy day ahead. No I didn’t make myself feel guilty about my housekeeping inadequacies….I need to write about 5,000 words today for my novel….Addie is quite the busy lady!!!!

Enjoy this marvelous fall weather we are having!!! I hope to be in the backyard gardens later today!

Hot…Hot…Hot…did I say hot??????? Even our AC plateaus out and can’t go any lower than like 75 degrees…which may be A-OK with many…but in our home where an extreme case of Atopic Dermatitis exists…this temperature can be categorized as Category Three disaster. Needless to say….we have several ceiling fans in our home not to mention a stand alone air unit in Sam’s (the poor baby with the severe eczema) and five other stand alone fans. And there you go….it is… Hot…Hot…Hot.

A simple pleasure:

Listening to Bruno Mars’ album Doo-Wops & Hooligans on the new Sony Walkman MP3…when walking or riding my bike…both lovingly and thoughtfully given to me by my two peas in a pod.

I am thankful:

For all my friends that called, emailed, left comments, Facebooked me about not only my new hair (which still on some days makes me feel old…old…old) but also to wish me a happy birthday. Thank you!!!

From the kitchen:

That saga still continues….17 years later. I just can’t seem to get my ‘cook on’.

From the learning rooms:

Summer vacation is over and we (emphasis on WE) have begun our grueling MATH only semester. We actually had to back up from Algebra to reassess foundations but that’s okay…otherwise I would not have been much help. Sorry to say…the first Algebra lesson was like seeing a segment of “Dumb and Dumber” with me being Dumber of course….sorry Miss Sam…you are not dumb by any means but I could not help myself with this analogy.

Just finished reading:

Thicker Than Water by Rett Macpherson. This is hands down my most favorite series!!!! This is book eight (I have been reading them ALL summer…read two just this weekend). I would guess that my passion for genealogy may influence my opinion…but the writing is funny, non stop action, and real.

Currently Reading:

Dead Man Running by Rett Macpherson. What can I say, I started reading it yesterday and I am almost finished. Good stuff!!!!

On My Mind:

Fall Semester. It starts today. I have streamlined all my courses. Everything is online. Assignments/Exams/Gradebooks etc. Finally after eight years I may actually know what I am doing….he…he. We shall see. Abnormal Psychology is first up tonight. Will be going over the syllabus and showing the movie NUTS.

Creative Projects:

Big news: I have been taking an online beginning writing course over the summer. It has been incredibly awesome!!!! I am so thankful that the cost has been covered by the college where I work. What an eye opening experience this has been for me. Overwhelming but yet so inspiring.

I have just submitted the paperwork to begin a Write Your Story course. Hope it goes through.

Hearth and Home:

Actually did get our master bath cleaned this weekend. The rest of the house? Uncluttered/organized but dusty….ah well…other interests going on here.

I smile:

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

I finished reading Paul by Charles Swindoll and have begun reading Moses.

Reading through this series has been quite the spiritual journey. My favorite chapter from the Moses book is

Chapter Five: The Desert – School of Self-Discovery

here is a thought provoking excerpt written by V. Raymond Edman which was originally in his book In Quitness and Confidence:

“Something painful happened to me. This is how I met it: I was quiet for a while with the Lord, and then I wrote these words for myself:

First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He needs to bestow.

Last, in His good time He can bring me out again – how and when only He knows.

Let me say I am here, first by God’s appointment; sencon, in His keeping; third, under His training; fourth, for His time.”

V. Raymond Edman

Picture Thought I am sharing:

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

Rainy…rainy….rainy….steady and wonderfully pleasing to all the senses.

A simple pleasure:

My office is surrounded by almost full length windows and it also opens onto the sunroom. Being able to view the rains as they nourish all my gardens and listening to the rains beat out a delightful song on the sunroom’s ‘tin’ roof is what I would term as one of the most exquisite simple pleasures ever.

I am thankful:

For Hospice. Not only for the care they administer with loving hearts and hands while a loved one is terminally ill but also for the time they invest in providing memorial services “of hope and healing to remember those we love”. I will be attending one for my father in two weeks.

From the kitchen:

God bless Winn Dixie and their BOGO specials. I honestly believe it is the only way some families are surviving the economic decline of our nation. This week I bought one of Sam’s and my favorites….Hormel Pork Shoulder Roast with BBQ seasoning. After it cooks in the crock pot for eight hours I drain it, shred it, and then add a bottle of Wholly Smoke Sweet Georgia Red BBQ sauce and simmer for a half hour. One of John’s co-workers markets it and I highly recommend it if you are a BBQ aficionado.

From the learning rooms:

I am so proud of Miss Sam. In anticipation of becoming dual enrolled at the College of Central Florida, Miss Sam took her College Placement Tests this week. She did absolutely over the top with her English scores. She was advised that once dual enrolled that she should take the tests to CLEP out of Freshman English. On the other hand her Math scores were not enough for Fall admission (which was expected). Therefore, with the guidance of  Linda, a very gracious and well seasoned homeschooler, I was able to reassess Miss Sam’s academic path to achieve her goal of being dual enrolled in Spring 2012.

This reassessment has meant the discontinuation of Florida Virtual School - where she has met all but the math high school core curriculum. What a wonderful learning experience FLVS has been for Miss Sam and all of us as a family but it is time to move forward.

Moving forward entails enrolling Miss Sam in an intensive math program for Algebra and Geometry through Thinkwell (a wonderful site recommended by Linda).

So there it is. Sam gets a two week break from academia and then it’s…ALGEBRA and GEOMETRY 24/7. Okay, maybe not 24/7 but pretty darn close. Sam….are you reading this? You HEAR me right!?!?!?

Just finished reading:

I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg. So not sure what I think about this book. I don’t even get why she gave the book this particular title. I did have to finish it to see where the lead character ended up but overall it wasn’t all that Fannie Flagg is cracked up to be. I do have a copy of Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven but I am going to hold off on reading it for awhile.

Currently Reading:

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. I first learned of this amazing book from Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza. I checked it out from the library and  half way through reading it I have made the decision that this book is a keeper.  Good use of my 40% off Borders coupon and my 10% Borders Rewards Plus membership. For me it has really gently nudged me out of my writing slump.

On My Mind:

Trying to decide whether to clean the kitchen or take a nap after writing this post….or go out to the sunroom and continue reading Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast. Ah, the blessing and the luxury of having such options to choose from on a rainy day.

Creative Projects:

Most of my recent projects have been with my backyard gardens.

Yesterday I braved the heat and humidity to finish my “potting bench”….a mish mash of inexpensive useful items brought together and labeled ‘potting bench’. No pictures. Too much rain at the moment to venture outside.

This is the time of year that I  rummage through all the racks of 66% – 70% garden items at Hobby Lobby and Joann’s. Every year I have been able to purchase  items at extremely discounted prices that I have had my eye on all season and this year was no different.  Will try to get photos on those items as they are placed in my gardens.

Other projects include old favorites:

• • • family history
    • photo organization
    • journal organization

And a new one. I hate.hate.hate. skinny bookmarks. I like something solid to mark my place in a book. I have been using the magnetic ones, which are good, but still not sturdy enough for me. So now I make my own. I use my photos/photo shop a favorite saying on them/laminate them (4 x 6)….and voila……a bookmark that is perfect for me:

Hearth and Home:

Love having the extra time with my summer teaching schedule to just ‘nest’. I love our home. It’s small – cozy – lived in.

I smile:

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

So far I have read two of the books from Charles’ Swindoll’s Great Lives Series: Job and Esther. Currently I am reading Paul: A Man of Grit and Grace.

Here is what touched my heart today as I read about change:

“…there’s no need to be afraid of change. Change brings adventure, and adventure stretches your faith. All that spells growth. Growth happens within us when we face risk. Head-on. Faith and risk go hand in hand.”

“Funny how human nature is put together, isn’t it? Since we’re often ill informed, we form false conclusions and struggle with reality.”

“Do not allow a lot of activity to dull your sensitivity.”

Although I have taken these quotes out of context from my readings on Paul (Chapter Nine)…they definitely can stand alone in what they have to relay regarding fear/change/risk/human nature/fast paced living.

Picture Thought I am sharing:

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

Cool. Cool. Cool. I LOVE it!!! Perfect gardening weather.

A simple pleasure:

Browsing through used bookstores.  My favorite local one is Poe House Books. Even when what I am searching for isn’t there at the moment, I always come home with a treasure. My latest find was a copy of John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley. Can’t wait to start this great summer read.

I am thankful:

For a husband and daughter that keep me emotionally moored through some very turbulent times.

From the kitchen:

Actually made Shepard’s Pie yesterday for Miss Sam and a Chef-Boy-R-Dee pizza for Mr. John. For myself…I made an italian pasta salad with island bbq tilapia from Sam’s club.  Mine was the best!

From the learning rooms:

DONE WITH ALGEBRA!!! DID YOU HEAR ME????? I SAID DONE.DONE.DONE.!!!! Maybe now we can lighten up on the anxiety meds (those would be mine by the way).

Just finished reading:

Caught by Harlan Coben. This one was a page turner!!!!! I could not put it down until I had finished it. Lots of twists and turns with a can NOT predict ending.

Currently Reading:

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. Again, I have picked up another book that I can’t put down. Good thing it is summer semester and the work load is light. The number one kind of books I love to read are Russian novels (I actually have War and Peace scheduled for reading this summer).  The last one I read was Russian Winter which was fabulous…and just so you know…it is now out in paperback. I can’t wait for her next novel.

On My Mind:

I have been reading Fibro Warrior: Life Beyond Fibromyalgia. I first experienced Fibromyalgia several years ago when I totaled my car. The symptoms lasted for well over a year. “Normal” is what I was told after a car accident. Well, as many of you know, I took a nasty fall several months back. Physical therapy is helping me bit by slow bit get the range of motion back in my left arm. However, once again, Fibromyalgia has set in. There are good days and bad days. Last night was a bad night. I recently read Shannon’s post regarding cereal and the effects that she experienced. After a difficult night, I could not help but wonder if my extreme pain had anything to do with eating my new snack choice:  Nature Valley Chewy Yogurt bars. I am going to go several days without eating one, then eat one, and see what happens. I will keep you posted.

Creative Projects:

Well I can’t seem to keep the dirt out from under my fingernails. Many of the garden projects I had planned for this spring are near completion….and always a gardener with a plan….I have FINALLY figured out something for this particular spot:

This part of the yard gets an incredible amount of sun and nothing…I mean nothing….has yet to survive being ‘planted’ here. So I began to browse through websites for ideas and landed on this one: Debra Lee Baldwin: Garden Photojournalist. Now I have never been a fan of succulents but once I browsed through her website…well…I was hooked. I had the PERFECT spot to begin a succulent container garden!!!!! I went to the library – which is within fifteen minutes walking distance from us – and thankfully they had her book: Succulent Container Gardens: Design Eye-Catching Displays with 350 Easy-Care Plants. So as I continue to play in my flower and veggie gardens I have begun to dream about my new adventure…..a succulent container garden.

Hearth and Home:

Found the energy to feather the nest with a bit of dusting/organizing/and a that ever dreaded….kitchen floor washing.

I smile:

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

Wise words from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Proverbs 3:1-9

What means we must use that we may obtain wisdom:

We must closely attend to the word of God

We must be much in prayer

We must be willing to labor in our search

Picture Thought I am sharing:

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

It’s 7:00 in the evening and still 92 degrees….HELLO SUMMER. Need to finish up all my garden projects before heat stroke becomes a real threat.

A simple pleasure:

Taking the dogs out into the backyard in the early morning hours. It allows me to walk my garden paths and lose myself in their beauty. A beauty that I have constructed utilizing God’s creations.

I am thankful:

That Sam’s lowered it’s price for bulk Starbuck’s Vanilla Frappuccino!!! (by $5.00!!!!….think it was a mistake).

From the kitchen:

Became motivated yesterday to make a deliciously filling comfort meal….meatloaf….real mashed potatoes….and a summer favorite….corn on the cob. Yum. Not much else going on. Living mostly on Special K bars and sweet tea…oh yea…and those Frappuccinos.

From the learning rooms:

ALMOST DONE with Algebra!!! Yippee!!!!

Currently Reading:

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss. What a great book!!!! It really brings you down to the basics, not only in the areas of survival but also with an incredible focus on how God is indeed the most basic of basics. I love this book!!!

On My Mind:

Being able to successfully navigate changed family dynamics.

The most horrible piece of journalism I have ever read! Filled with spelling errors/words missing…and it just happens to be one of the most important new story of the decade. You need to get a copy of today’s USA Today to see what I am disgusted about.  Shame on you Jim Michaels.

Creative Projects:

Still the same…..making  tiny baby steps progress on all….really liked this post about how I’m looking at it all right now. Thanks Holly.

Hearth and Home:

Still chipping away at all the areas that quickly slipped into chaos over the past few weeks.

I laugh:

because I just finished watching the movie ~ How Do You Know? ~ needed that laugh after watching ~ Black Swan.

Inspirational Thoughts I’m Sharing:

These gems are just a few that are inspiring from The Swiss Family Robinson:

“A mother seldom refuses the sacrifice of a little personal convenience, if it can afford delight to a virtuous child.”

“I am convinced that every parent who adopts a hardy scheme of education acts the wisest part.”

“God is indeed every where, and the best worship consists in thinking of him, and of his holy will, and resolving to fulfill it.”

Picture Thought I am sharing:

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

Slightly overcast. A great “work in the garden” day. Which I did.

Potted a “Vanilla Butterfly” plant in my25 cent thrift store cow.

Potted a few “Portulaca” in…yep…my 25 cent thrift store sunflower basket.

Started another project.

FINALLY got my Topsy Turvy tomato plant started.

Potted two “Raspberry Blast Supertunia’s” along the fence line

A simple pleasure:

Walking the wildlife park. Here are some of my favorite camera captures from my two visits this week:

The White Pelican

The Snowy Egret

The White Pelican

Baby Great Blue Heron

The Flamingo

I am thankful:

That since Miss Sam has been working at the Wildlife Park, I am able to claim “her” camera for a couple of hours a week.

From the kitchen:

As Miss Sam so eloquently stated this afternoon on the ride home from work “whatever it is, it’s sure to be frozen”.

From the learning rooms:

Miss Sam continues to amaze me with her knowledge. Now whether this is from her Florida Virtual School Curriculum or her internet savvy….I’m not saying…and I would guess, neither is she.

Miss Sam is on her way to becoming a yellow belt in Kung Fu. I’m immensely proud of her for searching out/deciding on/following through and committing to the Dragon Warriors. That’s my girl!!!

Currently Reading:

The Darling Dahlia’s and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert. I love. love. love. this book….a perfect springtime read. I also love Susan’s China Bayles Series.

On My Mind:

Wondering when I am ever going to get around to cleaning this nasty house.

Creative Projects:

• a new novel is in the works……thanks to Miss Sam for being my fantabulous Editor-in-Chief.

Hearth and Home:

• Still wish someone would come in and wash my kitchen floor….and maybe give the bathrooms a once over…..I just can’t help but give my attention to more interesting things to do with my time…..like all my creative projects…ditto…ditto…ditto….until it’s too hot to do anything outside.

I laugh:

because now I can….that is without the side of my head hurting where the staples were…healing nicely….thank goodness!!

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

A consistent, daily commitment to God promotes a solid relationship with him.

Picture Thought I am sharing:

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

Another absolutely gorgeous day in Florida!!! Although I didn’t work in the garden today, I did yesterday. Planning another walkway through the backyard to the tree bench…a gardener’s work is never done…until summer hits here in Florida. But today…..ah…it is a treasure of a day!

A simple pleasure:

Swinging on the backyard garden swing. I must confess I don’t do it enough.

I am thankful:

For my relationship with God. He keeps me centered when I feel like toppling over the edge.

From the kitchen:

I have been experimenting and thankfully haven’t caught anything on fire….yet. Check out this quick and easy recipe on my Facebook page.

Just found this quirky little book and already have a recipe tagged for this weekend.

From the learning rooms:

Have to get  Sam’s weekly schedule together – just as soon as I finish this post. She started two new classes….Marine Science and American Government. Seems like Marine Science will have quite a few field trips…thankfully we live where there are hundreds of lakes/beaches/springs etc…to explore.

Currently Reading:

The Stand by Stephen King. I am not a huge fan of Stephen King but this book was one of my college favorites. Felt a little nostalgic when I FINALLY found the hardcover uncut version at the flea market. It is just as great as I remembered! I heard his son Joe Hill is pretty good also. Will have to check him out in a few months (when I finish The Stand).

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Actually re-reading it. Still great. Still thought provoking.

The Right to Write by Jill Cameron. This book is providing some much needed practical writing tools. Sure is making me look at writing from a whole different perspective. I don’t feel quite as intimidated anymore.

On My Mind:

Mr. J’s new boat. I can’t wait until it is finished (being built in Alabama) and we can get back out on the water instead of walking along the shoreline…although I certainly am grateful that we are able to enjoy that also. Here are some photos from a recent walk along the St. Pete Beach. Of course I took a hundred more…but these were my favorites.

Creative Projects:

• working on another prayer shawl ~ actually it is more like a baby blanket for a friend but it is out of my prayer shawl booklet .
• getting back to my photography portfolio and “writing”
• printing off (so I have a hard copy of my writing) previous posts from this blog (I just realized today that I haven’t done this since February of last year…..time to get a supply of printer ink together).
• family history stuff (always ongoing)

Hearth and Home:

• Still wish someone would come in and wash my kitchen floor….and maybe give the bathrooms a once over…..I just can’t help but give my attention to more interesting things to do with my time…..like all my creative projects

I laugh:

Because of all the fun we had at the Doxie Reunion party this weekend. I never saw so many Dachshunds in one place!!!! Nope we don’t have a Dachshund but the host was Mr. J’s sister and her husband and son and they have three (!!) Dachshunds. Thanks to Grace for these awesome photos.

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

“Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him.” Oswald Chambers

Picture Thought I am sharing:

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

Absolutely gorgeous out today….now this is Florida!!! Would love to work in the back gardens today…..so many ideas floating through my head….but heading out early to the “big” city to have lunch with friends/colleagues at Primary Oven. Yum.

A simple pleasure:

Eating walnuts and dried apples together….don’t knock it until you try it. Got the idea when I went online to RealAge to retake my test (last time I did it was 2007) and I love how they have “re-vamped” the “areas to improve” section….thus the mid-morning apples/walnuts snack.

I am thankful:

For wise and godly friends.

From the kitchen:

Just received a subtle “nudge” from my dearest and closest friend that I need to move forward at a much more rapid pace in this area instead of the “avoidance crawl”.

Here is what she sent me – loaded with recipes that she hopes will get me out of the “tree bark” category and into some substantial/healthy/yummy alternatives.

Click here to see how organized and attractive the inside is

Just as a note of interest…….

Over twenty-years ago this BFF gave me a set of recipe cards from her family favorites (that is when I claimed her Aunt Betty as my own because of her out of this world chicken casserole)..with this note attached:

“We’ve only known each other a little over a year, but we’ve helped each other through a lifetime. I hope that when you use these recipes you’ll think of me and the crazy things we did together, like surviving from day to day”.

Oh my how we have changed over the years just in the area of food…..all those family recipes are loaded with things I can no longer eat…but the new set of recipes……well, I can’t wait to try them out even if they didn’t come from Aunt Betty’s kitchen.

From the learning rooms:

I am so tremendously proud of my girl!!!!! Having had two weeks off over the holidays, it has been difficult for all of us to get back into the academic routine. I have been concerned as of late in regards to her getting back on pace…..but that was time and energy wasted. My girl has gotten herself all caught up in the blink of my wary eye!!! So proud.

Currently Reading:

Sister’s of the Quilt by Cindy Woodsmall. Love. Love. Love. This book. After reading the Overton Window by Glen Beck…well, this is a breath of fresh air…even though the continual turn of events in Hannah’s life seem insurmountable….it’s the thread of faith and hope that keeps you turning each page…and nodding your head in agreement.

On My Mind:

My Abnormal Psychology class. First full class met last night and I am so excited!!! The students are just the best!!!!!!!!!!!

Creative Projects:

• working on another prayer shawl
• studying “my garden plans” notebook and adding new ideas daily

Hearth and Home:

• I wish someone would come in and wash my kitchen floor….and maybe give the bathrooms a once over…..I just can’t help but give my attention to more interesting things to do with my time…..like all my creative projects

I laugh:

Because I am so the odd one out when it comes to most things here in our family life…even driving. Just this week both husband and daughter (on separate occasions) felt it was necessary to map out the right (in other word’s THEIR) way from point A to point B. WHY? WHY? WHY? Do they feel it is necessary to give me pointers on how to find my way around an area where I have lived for over ten years????????? What am I six???

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

God shapes our character to fit his mission for us.

Picture Thought I am sharing:

Broccoli and Cabbage still surviving!!!!!!!

The weather today in my neck of the woods:

Overcast but great temperature…a perfect day to “spruce up” the winter gardens…if Spring Semester weren’t starting today!

Got a lot of great ideas from Hoe and Shovel.

A simple pleasure:

Having my own bike rack hitch on MY car. I don’t have to schedule borrowing my husband’s vehicle to ride the trails.

I am thankful:

That being “dairy free” and exercising 35 minutes every day has been an easy transition for me these past five months.

The results?

A loss of 25 pounds and ALL my cholesterol levels now within “normal” range….with no medication. Yee-haw!!!!

From the kitchen:

Just enjoyed some vegetable sushi from Publix. Yum.

Looking to work on at least one hot “healthy” meal every day for me and the family. This is quite challenging but with Mr. John beginning to have blood pressure problems perhaps it will be an easy transition.

I’ll need your support as I keep you posted on my progress.

From the learning rooms:

Today is the first day back for all of us. Wish Miss “almost 16 and can’t get out of bed” good luck with this week’s schedule.

I Just Finished reading:

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. What a fabulous book!!! A great read over winter break. I am looking forward to renting the movie.

Currently Reading:

The Overton Window by Glenn Beck. This is his first fiction novel and it is unbelievable. What a message there is in this particular book. I don’t believe I ever make notes in fiction books…but I have this one marked up from Chapter One. Good book!!! I am looking forward to reading The 7: Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life that he co-wrote with another of my favorite authors Keith Ablow.

Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women by Sue Augustine. What a great book to start off reading in the new year. The chapter on Measuring Your Stress Susceptibility was quite an eye-opener for me as was Isolate Your Specific Stressors. It is the first time that “mind mapping” has ever made sense to me and has really aided in determining short and long term goals. Another great read!!!!

On My Mind:

Areas that the Susceptibility to Stress chapter (mentioned above) helped me target for change:

1. Take time for friendships and make an effort to nurture them
2. Eat at least one balanced, hot meal per day, including something fresh and unprocessed and preferable prepared at home.
3. Have plenty of fun times alone or with friends when you laugh till you cry (or pee your pants in my case).
4. Have something to look forward to each day, each week, each month.
5. Organize and manage my time effectively.
6. Plan quiet time for myself every day to relax.
7. Regularly attend church.

Creative Projects:

• Adding College Years to my Family History Book
• Picking up cross-stitching after a ten year hiatus
• Photography/Inspirational Quote scrapbook

Hearth and Home:

• Still keeping it simple. Got rid of multiple “products” for ALL things from hair to mopping the floor. Pick a favorite and stick with it. It relieves clutter and stress.

I laugh:

Because I think I can cook one hot “balanced” meal a day.

Inspirational Thought I’m Sharing:

The First Resort

“Too often we wait until we are stressed out, worn out, and burned out before we call out to God in prayer for the help we need. Although he should be the first place we turn, going to God is frequently our last resort and final course of action. Often we wait until we’re at our wit’s end and have exhausted all our human resources, as frail as they are, before finally looking to our heavenly Father for answers. Even when we’re overwhelmed, overloaded, and overextended, why do we still believe we can or must handle everything on our own? When we finally come numbly before God and embrace him as sovereign Lord, we learn from him. We gain strength from him. If this were our first resort, and not the last, think of the stress and insanity we would avoid! ” Sue Augustine from Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women

“Before we choose to follow God’s will, a crisis must develop in our lives. This happens because we tend to be unresponsive to God’s gentler nudges. He brings us to the place where He asks us to be our utmost for Him and we begin to debate.”  Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest January 1st

Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is!!! Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest January 2nd

Picture Thoughts I am sharing:

We had a wonderful adventure on New Year’s Eve day. We went hiking in the Withlacoochee State Forest with some very, very, dear and treasured friends. What fun and heart  pounding memories when we spotted “blood” on the underbrush!!!!!!!! Here are some magnificent shots that Miss Sam captured on our two hour trek through nature.

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